Catholic Dictionary

Term

LIBER PONTIFICALIS

Definition

A collection of early biographies of the popes, from St. Peter to Pope Eugene Iv (d. 1447). Each pope's life is written according to a regular formula. The earliest form of the Liber Pontificalis was based on the Liberian Catalogue (A.D. 354) and appears to have been the work of a Roman priest at the time of Pope Boniface II (reigned 530-32). Subsequent editions contain biographies written shortly after the death of each pope.